Quezon City to host pride march anew

The local government of Quezon City is set to hold another pride march come December 9. Highly anticipated by the city’s Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender (LGBT) community, the event will unfold along restaurant and entertainment hub of Tomas Morato.

This year’s outing, dubbed “Pride in QC: Safe and Free,” will feature Metro Manila’s gay community, non-profit organizations, civic groups, LGBT organizations, churches welcoming unions of LGBTs, and individuals, whether straight or gay, willing to show their support to the community.

The event will further showcase a fashion show, LGBT organization parade, and a recognition ceremony for feats achieved by the QC Pride Council for the protection of the gay community.

In 2013, QC Mayor Herbert Bautista created the Quezon City Pride Council to integrate the LGBT community in the city government’s programs. The council was tasked to monitor and implement the Gender Fair City Ordinance.

In a press conference on November 22, author and sponsor of the Gender-Fair City Ordinance Councilor Lena Marie “Mayen” Juico of District 1 discussed the 2003 QC Ordinance No. 1309, which prohibits discrimination against homosexuals in the workplace.

“Having a gender-free community makes Quezon City the Most LGBT Friendly City in the Philippines. The ordinance will not only penalize people or organizations who deny services because of sexual orientation and gender identity but it also bans verbal or non-verbal ridicule in the same discriminatory manner,” Juico declared.
“To date, Quezon City is the first city with comp r. ehensive Gender Fair Act that includes the inclusion of the LGBTs in education, employment, delivery of goods and services, and fair accommodation to everyone,” she added.

Finally, Juico pointed out that the 2017 QC LGBT Pride March is a testament of the city’s commitment in upholding the rights of all Filipinos including the lgbt community.